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Cortisol Awakening Response Profiling

Meaning

Cortisol Awakening Response Profiling is a specialized diagnostic procedure used to assess the dynamic rise in cortisol levels immediately following awakening, a distinct physiological event separate from the general diurnal cortisol rhythm. This measurement provides critical insight into the functional integrity of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, reflecting an individual’s stress resilience, anticipatory stress response, and overall energy mobilization capacity. Clinically, an aberrant CAR profile—either blunted or exaggerated—can signal underlying chronic stress, HPA axis dysfunction, or early signs of burnout, all of which profoundly impact hormonal health.